Yes, I am alive! I don’t think I have ever been away from my blog for this long before and I promise to really really try not to ever let this much time go by without a post again! It has been a wild few months with workshops and business developments and a fun-filled amazing wedding week at Folly Beach. But before I go there….just a few things I need to let my friends, clients, would-be clients, and general blog stalkers know about.
I want to thank all of my clients and all my supporters for spreading the word about Ashley Ward Photography. I am so thrilled with the growth in my business since returning to Columbia a year ago. It has been amazing and I am so very grateful. At this point, I am actually having to decline some sessions because my calendar has filled up so well. I hate to turn away any client who appreciates my work and wants me to document their family, relationships, celebrations, and happiness. But to be fair to the clients I already have scheduled, I have to be careful not to overbook. I am starting a waiting list for session inquiries for appointment from now through mid-September. If you are interested in a session during these times, let me know as soon as possible. I currently have 2 spots available in late September, 2 in October, and 1 spot for any kind of session in November. That is only 5 more spots for family sessions until the end of the year! However, I have a couple more spots for newborn and baby session in November and December each, provided no prints or products are required before the holidays. If you need a session in a certain time frame, please contact me as far in advance as you can. For newborn and baby sessions, early bookings are extremely important.
Now for the good stuff:) So, my sister married an amazing man on July 10th at my mother and step-father’s home on Folly Beach…..a man I am so happy to call my brother-in-law. My daughter must have told me a hundred times how happy she was that “Mr. Mike” was now “Uncle Mike”. Amy and her new husband were surrounded with the love and support of family from both sides, and a great many of their close friends who traveled from New York (where my sis and Uncle Mike call home) and LA and lots of places in between. I know there were many more who were there in spirit and who sent their love and best wishes in all kinds of ways.
The celebration of this union was truly special. Despite the heat and the spells of rain that put a few things on hold, it was a beautiful wedding. The bride wore a pink lace Betsy Johnson frock, some killer shoes and a petite crown, and carried a lovely bridal bag that was hand-made by and borrowed from her dear friend Robin. The groom was so dapper in his seersucker suite. The flower girl and flower girl/ring bearer were precious in their gray and pink dresses – even if the smaller one made a rather quick (but precious) retreat from the spotlight! The ceremony took place in front of the little tea house in the Folly House back yard and was highlighted with readings from the groom’s mother and bride’s father and music from friends.
The celebration afterward was fabulous. I have no doubt everyone enjoyed all the sinful southern dishes and incredible entertainment. Amy and Mike started the entertainment off by singing and playing to friends and family and were followed by their fabulous friends who performed their own musical tributes to the couple. Some even wrote songs just for the occasion – tender or hilarious! Everyone was really treated to an amazing show of talent and friendship. The show was followed by decacent desserts, including the surprise delivery of gelato trucks by a dear friend who was unable to attend. Yummy! Then, dancing, photobooth mania, sparklers, hot tub soaking, pool……it was crazy fun.
I am not a wedding photographer. But I was honored to be asked by Amy to document the joy. Just sharing a few images from that week and the blessed day itself:) I hope they can relive some of the emotions and beauty of the day when they see these. I love you guys!
(oh – and I have to add a thank you to my husband, Jeff, who worked so hard helping me and who I never could have done this without:)
Marzena: Gorgeous family and a sweet little sailor. Love them!!
Michelle: Gorgeous family! Lovely work, too. That location is fantastic.
aseel: Oh my! He's so adorable. The one with mom is extra precious. Great set.
Justyna: Fantastic portraits. Love the family, the location and all the great colors. You rock !
Kara Layfield: Oh my goodness these are perfection! Mom and Dad must be thrilled!! Love the location and your use of lighting! Great work!
Dezarae: Wow, this family is stunning. You captured that little boy so well. Great job!
Fiona Colvin: Too gorgeous! How did you not want to take him home :)
Brandi-lee: Beautfiul clarity and he is the most gorgeous little boy!! Look at that smile and that little look in the first shot.......total heartbreaker! Ha, I love his expression in the shot of Mum and Dad kissing!
Kimberly Kyle: Love all of them!
Amanda Leatherberry: Super cute little guy! Great clarity too! Lovely
amy: Just a gorgeous family. And that little boy in that sailor suit is just the cutest.
Nicole Z: What a cutie!!! Beautiful family too! Love the kissy face!!!
amy lenhart: oh wow!! he is sooo adorable!!! i love these!!
Pasquail: These are awesome! We love them! When can we order? Any word on the others yet?
Trey: I really love these. I am glad we chose this location!
MIchelle: Pasquail and Trey, and of course the photographer, these are great pics. Beautiful family! Beautiflul location!
Anelle: How utterly cute is that little guy??!! These are beautiful! I love the last one!
Evelyn: oh my goodness I absolutely love the last picture that was too cute!
Krissy Allori: ADORABLE! I want to take that little man home. He is just too precious!
desi: shees! is he stinking cute, or what? and you did SUCH a great job with the pics. really. well done
Scarlett: SUCH a cute baby, and beautiful family:) These shots are gorgeous!
Jenn Ricketts: My heart melted and an audible awe come out when I opened this page. What a beautiful baby and family. True happiness, captured.
Summer Deason: What a beautiful family precious baby boy! I love the last picture!
Terra: oh gosh he is a DOLL! Those family shots are gorgeous,great job!!
Fabiana Beatriz: Such gorgeous photos, Ashley. Beautiful family and adorable big man!
shannon treadway: WOW these are beautiful! Gorgeous family and pics!
natalie lawson: what a gorgeous family! these all look so great i can't pick a favorite.
Rachel Aberle: What a beautiful baby and family! Great work!
Sylvia Borgo: Ohhh! He is just perfectly adorable! Those cheeks! Those lips! What a beautiful family!!!